Joe Willock likely to be left disappointed vs Brighton as Newcastle United handed timely boost
Joe Willock could be sacrificed as Eddie Howe continues to welcome back big-name Newcastle United stars to the lineup.
The 26-year-old played 86 minutes against Arsenal on Saturday, 25 April, being hooked for the more attacking Anthony Elanga in the final moments, after being benched for the previous two games.
Despite the return of Bruno Guimaraes, he kept his spot in the starting lineup, but with the Magpies desperate for their first win in six matches, Howe must make some changes at St James Park.
Howe could bench Willock against Brighton on Saturday, 2 May, especially given that the manager has the perfect player back in contention to face Fabian Hurzeler's high-flyers.
Eddie Howe can welcome back Joelinton vs Brighton
Willock has found it difficult to get consistent minutes this season, starting just eight Premier League games and coming off the bench on 13 other occasions.
That's because Howe has multiple options at his disposal in the middle of the park, and it is obvious who should be joining Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in midfield against the Seagulls.
After serving a two-match suspension, having picked up his 10th of the campaign against Crystal Palace, Joelinton is back and ready to fight, and that will be a huge boost for the Magpies.
| Joe Willock | vs | Joelinton |
| 785 | Minutes played | 1773 |
| 0 | Goals | 2 |
| 1 | Assists | 1 |
| 11 | Chances created | 15 |
| 40% | Shot accuracy | 53% |
| 0.80 | Successful dribbles per 90 | 0.56 |
| 1.61 | Successful tackles per 90 | 0.96 |
| 0.57 | Clearances per 90 | 1.93 |
While Willock betters Joelinton in some areas, and will feel that he has done enough to stay in the team, the latter is clearly a favourite at St James' Park and with Howe.
Could this be the end for Joe Willock at Newcastle United?
This feels like a make-or-break decision for the 26-year-old midfielder, who has seriously struggled with injuries during his time in the North East.
Football Insider revealed in January that Willock could push for a Newcastle exit, with Crystal Palace and Leeds United interested in his signature, and those rumours are likely to reignite.
At this stage of his career, he cannot afford to be stuck on the bench for the majority of a season, and while Guimaraes and Tonali have been linked with exits, the Magpies want to keep hold of both.
All signs point towards a disappointing departure if Willock is benched again versus Brighton, but Howe cannot be blamed for wanting his strongest team out there when his side are winless in six.